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Futuristic views of mine operations allude to the use of immersive virtual worlds that transport people into what is now called a Metaverse, a network of 3D virtual worlds that can be experienced by an unlimited number of people simultaneously. The concept and benefit of combining real and virtual worlds have been around for many decades and have evolved considerably in recent years. When these are presented as a digital twin with bidirectional data and collaboration capability, potential exists for a powerful communications tool for mining operations. Hence, it is time to discuss the Metaverse from a mining perspective and this paper asks, 'What is the Metaverse and how does it relate to mining?' This paper presents some case studies, concepts, a model and considers the benefits of a Mining Metaverse as a communications tool that enhances decision making via remote collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses integrating Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Mixed Reality (MR) as a hybrid system for monitoring mine site rehabilitation. UAV systems are reviewed and the application of MR and AI to mining is discussed. The most common UAVs are low-cost multi-rotor systems however, their capabilities may be limited for long-term autonomous operation. The application scope is broad but identifies many trial UAV applications and sensors that could be integrated with MR and AI to produce an autonomous system. A simplified model for autonomous UAV, AI, and MR integrated systems is suggested along with some core modules. Via collaborative, modular development, the integration of UAV data, AI, and MR may be possible. Such a system will provide a powerful tool for mine site rehabilitation and compliance sign-off via a visual tool that allows all stakeholders to comprehend processes and data and agree when final rehabilitation is achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-first-century mining is a complex pursuit. Stakeholders must manage many interconnected processes and data sets to ensure an operation is sustainable. Mixed Reality (MR) simulation may present an opportunity to improve knowledge and understanding of mine operations via a digital twin. Current and future personnel can model and make predictions using past, current and future data sets. However, MR is still an uncommon tool in the mining industry. This paper asks why that is the case, what some common barriers may be to MR adoption, and presents a possible collaborative solution to make MR sustainable as the technology gains hold and becomes commonplace in mine operations and elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]